Although fundal pressure
has not been adequately studied, two studies have found that this
procedure greatly increases the likelihood of tears into or through the
anal muscle. Anal muscle tears can lead to leaking gas — and more
rarely, feces — or a sense of urgency about elimination (bowel incontinence) as well as increased likelihood of pain during sexual intercourse.

Time
and trying various pushing positions — especially upright positions
that allow gravity to assist the process — will work in most cases. If
those measures fail, a vacuum extraction or forceps delivery (assisted vaginal birth) may be in order. Speak with your caregiver about avoiding an episiotomy during an assisted birth. If no episiotomy is performed, tears into the anal muscle rarely occur.

Founded in 1918, Childbirth Connection has joined forces with and become a core program of the National Partnership for Women & Families. Together, these two women's health powerhouses are transforming maternity care in the United States.

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